Spruce it up!
The Sopris Sun invites youngsters to submit illustrations for its annual Spruce Up The Sun contest. The winning image(s) will be featured on the cover of our Dec. 19 holiday issue. Contestants, or their parents, can submit scanned submissions to news@soprissun.com or place a hard copy in the submission box outside The Launchpad in Carbondale (76 4th Street). Preschoolers through high schoolers are welcome to participate. This year’s theme: Dreams. Act fast! Entries are due by Dec. 15!
You did it!
We are thrilled to share that, thanks to your generous support, Mountain West Gives exceeded its goal of raising $1 million for local nonprofits through matches from Colorado Gives! Your contributions will make a significant impact for over 90 organizations dedicated to making a difference in this community. For those still considering a donation, there is time to make an exponential difference. Many organizations have matching donations through December. Visit Mountain West Gives at www.coloradogives. org/community/Mountainwestgives, or reference The Sopris Sun’s Giving Guide on on our website to find a local cause to support.
Dark nights
Pedestrians are reminded that with the shorter days this time of year it’s even more important to wear bright or reflective clothing while commuting, or to be extra cautious, because motorists have limited visibility.
Hanging Lake
“The Hanging Lake Trail will remain closed throughout this winter following a successful field season of trail reconstruction,” reported the Forest Service. Work on the trail will resume in the spring with reopening anticipated this coming summer. The 1.2-mile trail and its seven bridges were significantly damaged during debris flows in July of 2021.
Summit for Life
The Chris Klug Foundation’s Summit for Life race saw a record 435 participants summit Aspen Mountain on Dec. 7 raising $122,558 toward promoting organ, eye and tissue donations. This year’s fastest racer was John Gaston (40:58); the fastest female was Kristin Lyne (51:57). Find all results at www.summitforlife.org
Pitkin dispatch
The Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center earned two major honors from the Colorado Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and the National Emergency Number Association: the 9-1-1 Communication Center of the Year Award and the Director/Manager of the Year Award presented to Brad Flanagan. Under Flanagan’s leadership, the dispatch center shifted from near closure to being fully staffed in less than three years.
Electric state
Colorado has surpassed California to become the state with the highest electric vehicle (EV) market share in the nation. EVs now make up 25.3% of new vehicles sold in the state. All Coloradans are eligible for a $5,000 tax credit (dropping to $3,500 in 2025) for purchasing or leasing a new EV priced under $80,000 — with an additional $2,500 for EVs under $35,000. Income-qualified Coloradans can exchange a high-emitting vehicle for a $6,000 rebate toward a new EV or $3,000 toward a used EV. Coloradans may also be eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit for new EVs or $4,000 for used EVs.
Pipeline input
The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are seeking public comment regarding the proposed West Mamm Creek Pipeline. The project would entail about seven miles of new natural gas and produced water pipelines south of Rifle. The proposed pipelines would channel produced water into an existing water management system and collect and deliver natural gas, reducing truck traffic currently necessary to deliver natural gas, according to a press release. The proposal does not include tapping into new natural gas deposits, but the pipeline “could facilitate new development.” For more information and to comment, visit www.tinyurl.com/WestMammpipeline
Birch Park
Great Outdoors Colorado, funded by proceeds from the Colorado Lottery, awarded an $800,000 grant to the City of Rifle to build Birch Park, a future hub for community gathering and recreation anticipated to open in 2026 in the Graham Mesa neighborhood.
Avalanche app
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) have partnered to add avalanche forecasts and warnings to the Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) app. The app is not a standalone resource, a CPW release stated. “People going into the backcountry should also always check the CAIC Avalanche Forecast Map at www.colorado.gov/avalanche before heading out.”
Deportation ally
The Town of Castle Rock’s municipal council unanimously approved a motion declaring its support for future immigration policies and efforts to deport immigrants who are in the country illegally. An actual declaration will be brought to the council at a future meeting directing the Castle Rock police department to participate in future federal efforts on deportation, Colorado Community Media reported on Dec. 4. The councilmember who made the motion said its intent is to distance Castle Rock from Denver policies and reinforce support for law enforcement.
They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Olivia Emmer, Beth Mohsenin, Laurel Janeen Smith and Andy Weidmann (Dec. 12); Jon Araujo, Amy Broadhurst, Ericka Crampton, Claire Markoya and Sander Olson (Dec. 13); Alex Curtis, Steve Keohane, Brianda Cervantes and Natalie Spears (Dec. 14); Ciarra Bristol, Lynn Burton, Rachel Filter, Alya Howe, Frank McGuirk, Arturo Ortiz, Anthony Ortiz and Chip Winn Wells (Dec. 15); Deborah Anderson and Tamarah Howard (Dec. 16); Aiden Knaus and Cooper Marshall (Dec. 17); Kathy Ezra, Daisy Tena, Ralph Wanner and Deborah VanCott (Dec. 18).
~ C A L E N D A R ~
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
COCOA CLUB POP-UP
As part of its holiday pop-up series the Cocoa Club hosts Sideshow Redesigns, a favorite Mountain Fair vendor, who’ll be selling redesigned western shirts today and tomorrow.
CODING CLUB
Teens interested in coding are invited to learn Python with the Aspen Science Center at the Carbondale Library at 3:45pm.
BANNED BOOK CLUB
Basalt Library’s Banned Book Club discusses “Pet” by Akwaeke Emezi at 4pm.
ANDERSON RANCH
Anderson Ranch Arts Center hosts a holiday open house from 4:30 to 6:30pm with open studios and festive treats. Meanwhile, “Last Eagle / Last Gun: Modern Recordings of Ancient Blackfoot Symbolisms,” a new exhibit by father and son artists Terrance Guardipee and Terran Last Gun, will have an opening reception.
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’
A SoL Theatre youth troupe performs Joe Landry’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at Thunder River Theater at 6pm tonight, tomorrow and Saturday. Catch a matinee at 2pm on Sunday. Tickets and more info at www.soltheatrecompany.org
CHAUTAUQUA
Aspen Journalism and Community Builders present “Chautauqua: In Search of Community,” a community-engagement opportunity stemming from a 10-part series turned book by journalist Paul Anderson intended to “broaden the notion of community” along the 80-mile corridor from Aspen to Parachute. It starts at 6pm at Morgridge Commons in Glenwood Springs.
HOLIDAY GLOW FLOW
Cari Eisenson guides an all-levels flow session with beats by DJ Bhakti Styler at Kula Yoga on Main at 6pm. Plosky’s will provide the eats. Register at www.kulayogaonmain.com
RODRIGO ARREGUÍN
Rodrigo Arreguín performs at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
‘ASPEN EXTREME’
Aspen Film shows “Aspen Extreme” for free at the AF Isis Theatre at 7:30pm — retro ski attire recommended.
CRYSTAL THEATRE
“Moana 2” shows at the Crystal Theatre at 7pm. “Gladiator II” open tomorrow at 7pm and repeats on Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 5pm.
BELLY UP
River Spell opens for the O’Connor Brothers Band at the Belly Up at 8pm. Tickets at www.riverspellmusic.com/tour
TOMMY THE ANIMAL
Enjoy an acoustic rendition of Tommy The Animal’s repertoire, highlighting a new album, at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
CONSENSUAL CHRISTMAS
There are still tickets left for tonight’s Consensual Improv show, “A Consensual Christmas*,” at 8pm at TACAW. Tomorrow night’s show is sold out. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
FREE BOOKS
The second annual Free-For-All Book Fair takes place at the Glenwood Springs Community Center from noon to 6pm. Thousands of books for all ages in English and Spanish have been gathered to distribute, including new titles.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
The Carbondale Police Department brings Santa to The Orchard (110 Snowmass Drive in Carbondale). St. Nick will be granting Christmas wishes from 3 to 9pm.
POTTERY SALE
The Carbondale Clay Center hosts a holiday pottery sale specifically for kids “on a piggy-bank budget” from 4 to 6pm.
MOUNTAIN MUSIC
Sweet Jessup & The Dirty Buckets perform at Mountain Heart from 5 to 7pm.
BANK & HARRIMAN
Chris Bank and Hap Harriman serenade at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
‘MESSIAH’
Aspen Choral Society presents Handel’s “Messiah” for the 48th consecutive year, tonight at Harris Concert Hall in Aspen, tomorrow at TACAW and Sunday at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Glenwood Springs. All performances begin at 7pm. Find tickets at www.aspenchoralsociety.org
‘GOLDEN VALLEY’
Aspen Film continues its Wintersköl screenings with “Champions of the Golden Valley” at 7pm at the AF Isis Theatre. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
SPICY FLORES
Mitt Spicy and Aggie Flores perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
COCOA CLUB POP-UP
Cocoa Club’s holiday pop-ups continue with Matt Johnson selling his handmade ceramic tablewares today and Colorado Wild Jewelry tomorrow.
VISUAL JOURNALING
Expressive Arts Therapist Sheri Gaynor guides a visual journaling workshop at the Art Base from 9:30 to 11:30am. Register at www.theartbase.org
SAW-LIDAY
Studio for Arts and Works (SAW) hosts its 18th annual SAWliday sale, featuring works from 25 local artists, from 2 to 6pm.
NHL ALUMNI CLASSIC
Colorado Extreme hosts its second annual Outdoor NHL Alumni Classic at its rink off of Catherine Store Road (CR 100), beginning with a flyover at 3pm and followed by the puck drop. Tickets and more info at www.nhlalumnioutdoorclassic.com Game entry is free for kids!
APRES SKI SHOPPING
The Aspen Chapel Gallery hosts a special Apres Ski Shopping experience, featuring over 300 pieces of local art, from 3 to 6pm. More info at www.aspenchapelgallery.org
SOUND IMMERSION
Ildi Ingraham takes participants on a sound-healing journey at the Carbondale Library at 4pm. Bring a mat, pillow, blanket and anything else to be very comfortable. Email panderson@gcpld.org with any questions.
CHRIS BANK
Catch Chris Bank performing live music at Mountain Heart from 5 to 7pm.
CONTRA DANCE
The Carbondale Community School hosts an all-ages contra dance with live music from 8 to 10pm (lessons at 7:30pm).
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
BIRD COUNT
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies needs help counting birds in the Aspen area as part of the 125th Audubon Christmas Bird Count, “The longest running citizen-science survey in the world,” from 7:30am to 3pm. Register at www.aspennature.org
CHRISTMAS MEDITATION
Devotees of Paramahansa Yogananda practice a two-hour meditation commemorating the birth of Christ at True Nature from 8:45 to 11am. For more info, email sarahtrumery@gmail.com
AUTHENTIC RESONANCE
A Spiritual Center welcomes Kat Hardy speaking about sensory integration and the nature of consciousness in Room 31 of the Third Street Center at 10am.
CLIMATE CAFE
Join Wild Rose Education for a facilitated gathering in Carbondale centered around taking action in light of the climate crisis from 3:30 to 5pm. RSVP at www.wildroseeducation.com for the specific location.
BASALT MARKET
TACAW hosts the first annual Basalt Holiday Market from noon to 5pm.
TEEN JAM SESSION
Teen musicians of all levels get together for a jam session at the BlueBird Cafe in Glenwood Springs from 5 to 7pm. Extra instruments will be available. More info at www.tinyurl.com/LENSjamsesssion
‘LITTLE FEET’
Aspen Film Isis Theatre shows “Little Feet” at 7pm for free, wrapping up its Wintersköl screenings. RSVP at www.aspenfilm.org
QUEEN BEES
The Queen Bees perform a holiday show at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
ONE-NIGHT STAND
Consensual Improv hosts an interactive improv jam at TACAW at 6:30pm. To register, email cassidywilley@gmail.com and send $25 via Venmo to @Consensualimprov
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
‘HOME ALONE’
The Glenwood Vaudeville Revue screens Christmas classic “Home Alone” at 6:30pm, preceded by dinner and entertainment starting at 5:30pm. Reserve a seat at www.gvrshow.com
‘COMMON GROUND’
Wild Mountain Seeds and MTN Bio show “Common Ground,” an inspirational documentary about soil health, at the Crystal Theatre at 6:30pm. Join the happy hour at Marble Distilling beginning at 5:30pm to meet some like-minded folk.
FUNGI FILM FEST
The Western Colorado Mycological Association presents “The Fungi Film Fest 2024” at the Six Production warehouse (2100 Dolores Way, northside entrance). Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7pm.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
WOLF EDUCATION
Eagle County welcomes the community to learn about the reintroduction of gray wolves at 500 Broadway, Eagle at 10am.
OCEANOGRAPHY
Aspen Science Center teaches kids, 5-11, about ocean life at the Basalt Library from 2:30 to 3:30pm.
REINDEER AT THE LIBRARY
Stop by and meet a couple of reindeer from Noel Productions at the Carbondale Library from 3 to 5pm.
MINDFUL PHOTOGRAPHY
Author and photographer Joe Van Wyk teaches mindful photography techniques using a smartphone at the Carbondale Library at 6pm, before heading downtown with “Frankie the Doodle.”
COLE FOR CHRISTMAS
Roberta Lewis and Steve Cole perform at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
COMMUNITY SINGALONG
Roaring Fork Youth Orchestra (RFYO) presents its first annual community singalong at the Third Street Center at 7pm. All RFYO performances are free and open to the public.
‘SPACE COWBOY’
Aspen Film, in collaboration with HeadQuarters, screens “Space Cowboy” at the AF Isis Theatre at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
HOLIDAY CABARET
Theatre Aspen presents the “Dreaming of a White Christmas Cabaret” at the Hotel Jerome with a three-course dinner and 60-minute performance tonight through Dec. 22 at 7pm. “Once Upon a Time,” a family-friendly show, takes place from Dec. 19 to Dec. 21 at 4pm. Find tickets at www.theatreaspen.org
TACAW CABARET
TACAW also presents a holiday cabaret with Beth Malone and Bob Finnie at 8pm. Beforehand, join Epicure Catering’s Supper Club for dinner at 6pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
JERRY JOSEPH
Steve’s Guitars presents Jerry Joseph at 8pm. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
WOLF MEETING
In preparation for the next round of gray wolf releases, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hosting a series of community meetings. Today, a meeting will take place in Aspen from 10am to 2pm. Contact Dustin at Shiflett@state.co.us or 720-902-1222 for more info.
COMMON ROOTS
The Common Roots Women’s Group meets at HeadQuarters in Basalt at 6pm to reflect on this month’s topic: intimacy. Register at www.headq.org
LOUNGE SESSION
HeadQuarters in Basalt invites you to discuss and journal about “The Garden Within” by Dr. Anita Phillips from 6 to 7:30pm. Learn more at headq.org/support/events
SMOKIN’ & ROCKIN’
Smokin’ Joe and Rockin’ Randall perform music at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
FIRE TRUCK-MAS
Santa hitches a ride with Carbondale Fire to visit children in neighborhoods off of County Road 109 this evening and within Carbondale tomorrow evening. The firetruck departs the station at 5pm and parents can track Santa’s whereabouts in real-time the night of (a link will be posted shortly before the truck leaves the station). Visit www.carbondalefire.org for route maps and more info.
MOUNTAIN MUSIC
Mountain Heart hosts the 4 Corners Ramblers for live music from 5 to 7pm.
SOLSTICE CELEBRATION
Basalt Library hosts a community gathering with hot beverages, food, crafts and storytelling outdoors from 5:30 to 7pm. People are requested to bring lawn chairs and bundle up!
SOLSTICE FLOW
Cari Eisenson and DJ Bhakti Styler team up again to offer a Winter Solstice Flow yoga and music session at Kula Yoga on Main from 5:30 to 6:45pm. Register at www.kulayogaonmain.com
LOCAL FILMS
Catch a celebration of local filmmakers at TACAW presented by 5 Point and Aspen Snowmass beginning at 7pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
BIRDS OF PLAY
Enjoy Colorado bluegrass with Birds of Play performing at Steve’s Guitars at 8pm. Find tickets at www.stevesguitars.net
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
WINTER BONANZA
Introducing: the inaugural Bonedale Winter Bonanza, a new all-day Carbondale Creative District event spanning the town. Participate in shopping, dancing and crafting. For the full schedule, visit www.bit.ly/BonedaleBonanza
UPLIFT
HeadQuarters and Roaring Fork CrossFit offer a physical-mental fitness class from 9 to 10:15am in Willits. To sign up, visit headq.org/support/events
POP-UP FARMERS MARKET
Carbondale Arts hosts its Pop-up Farmers Market today from 10am to 4pm and tomorrow from 11am to 3pm.
AUTHENTIC RESONANCE
A Spiritual Center welcomes Kat Hardy speaking about sensory integration and the nature of consciousness in Room 31 of the Third Street Center at 10am.
TOKLAT
The Catto Center at Toklat celebrates the Winter Solstice and its long-anticipated reopening from 2 to 6pm, followed by a 10-day open house from noon to 5pm daily. RSVP at www.aspennature.org
IGNITE YOUR LIGHT
Join Jen Campbell and Gabriela Mejia for a magical afternoon celebration of the Winter Solstice through yoga, melodies and honoring of your inner light at True Nature from 1 to 2:30pm. Register at www.truenaturehealingarts.org
KIDS NIGHT OUT
Parents can drop their kids, 5-11, off at the Glenwood Springs Community Center for holiday movies, pizza, rock climbing and more, so they can have their own fun night out. Kiddos will rule the roost from 4:30pm to 9pm. More info at www.tinyurl.com/KidsNightOutGWS
PAM AND DAN
Pam and Dan perform at Mountain Heart from 5 to 7pm.
JINGLE BELL SKATE
Glenwood Springs Parks and Rec hosts its second annual Jingle Bell Skate event from 6 to 7:30pm. Tickets and more info at www.tinyurl.com/JingleBellSkate
JOHN MICHEL
Catch John Michel performing at Heather’s in Basalt from 6:30 to 9:30pm.
HONORING THE DARKNESS
The Two River Unitarian Universalist congregation welcomes you to gather in celebration of the longest night of the year with candlelight, stories, music, a bonfire, warm cider and treats from 7 to 9pm. The event will continue with a service on Dec. 22 at 10am to welcome back the light.
‘THE BRUTALIST’
Aspen Film screens Academy Award hopeful, “The Brutalist,” at the AF Isis Theatre at 7pm. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
MEGAN BURTT
Megan Burtt performs holiday music at TACAW beginning at 8pm. Tickets at www.tacaw.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
JINGLE BELLS RUN
Independence Run & Hike hosts the Jingle Bells Run 5k and ugly sweater contest at 10am. Dogs and strollers are welcome and proceeds benefit local school athletics. Register now at www.bit.ly/jinglebells5k
THE JEWISH EXPERIENCE
A Spiritual Center welcomes Larry Gottlieb speaking about leaving history aside to find joy in the Jewish experience in Room 31 of the Third Street Center at 10am.
THE ROYAL NUTCRACKER
Aspen Film and DanceAspen invite you to an afternoon of dance and film, including a presentation about the history of The Nutcracker ballet, a dance performance and a screening of The Royal Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.” It all starts at 2pm with cocoa and cookies. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org
ONGOING
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
The Meeting Place in Carbondale (981 Cowen Drive) offers “Hole in the Donut AA,” Monday through Saturday at 6:45am, plus “Daily Reprieve” at noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find a full schedule at www.meetingplacecarbondale.org
IN STITCHES
The In Stitches Knitting Club meets at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 1:30pm.
ENGLISH IN ACTION
Volunteer English tutors and developing learners meet for informal conversational practice at the Carbondale Library every Monday at 6:30pm. Interested in becoming a tutor? Email angela@englishinaction.org or call 970-963-9200.
MONDAY MEDITATION
Roaring Fork Insight guides a weekly meditation group meeting at the Third Street Center (Room 31) from 7 to 8:30pm.
BABY STORYTIME
The Carbondale Library hosts baby storytime at 9:30am on Tuesdays.
RAISING A READER
Basalt Library hosts an hour of storytime, activities and snacks Tuesdays at 10:30am.
YARN GROUP
Basalt Library hosts a weekly yarn group on Tuesdays at 5pm. All are welcome.
TAI CHI
Garfield County Human Services is offering Tai Chi for Arthritis at the Carbondale Library, Tuesdays from 1 to 2pm and Thursdays from noon to 1pm. For more info, call 970-963-2889.
BIKE PROJECT
The Carbondale Bike Project Shop helps people repair their bicycles on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 6pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm on the east side of Third Street Center.
SENIOR LUNCH
Every Wednesday at noon, Garfield County Senior Programs provides a nutritious meal for seniors at The Orchard. To reserve a place at the table, call 970-665-0041.
COSECHA TEXTILES
Textile enthusiasts are invited to a monthly workshop at Cosecha Textiles (95 Red Dog Road) every first Wednesday from 4 to 9pm. Register at www.cosechatextiles.com
ASK A LAWYER
Alpine Legal Services offers a hotline clinic on Wednesdays from 5 to 7pm. Call 970-368-2246 and visit alpinelegalservices.org for the schedule of dates by legal topic.
‘SOURCE DIALOGUES’
Gary Springfield, author of “Source Dialogues: The Miracle Mechanism of Manifestation,” discusses the tenants of his book via a livestream at the Third Street Center every second and fourth Wednesday at 6:30pm.
AIKIDO
Crystal River Aikikai has expanded its schedule. Adults and teens are now welcome to train at 13 Moons Ranch on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30pm in addition to Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Kids can train from 4 to 5pm on Wednesdays and Mondays and all dojo members ages 10 and up are invited to informal open mat time from 5 to 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Find more information at www.crystalriveraikikai.com
CANCER CARE
The Calaway-Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital offers yoga for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers at 9:15am on Thursdays. Then, the Walk and Talk cancer support group meets at 11am at the chapel in the cancer center.
WIGGLES OUT
Toddlers and preschoolers get their wiggles out at the Carbondale Library on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30am.
UNDER THE SUN
Join Sopris Sun correspondents and guests for “Everything Under The Sun,” airing every Thursday on KDNK at 4pm.
GROUP RUN
Independence Run & Hike leads a weekly group run on Thursdays departing from the store’s location, next to the Carbondale City Market, at 6:30pm.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Carbondale Mayor Ben Bohmfalk posts up at Bonfire every Friday from 8 to 9am, and everyone is welcome to stop by to chat.
STORYTIME
Carbondale Library hosts storytime for youngsters and their accompanied adults every Friday at 10:30am.
STORYTIME & PLAY
The Basalt Library hosts its storytime/play group every Friday from 10:30 to 11am.